1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1974 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1974 Sunbeam Rapier is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 392 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1974 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Buick | Sunbeam |
| Model | Riviera | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 68 L |
